How to Repair Fridge Leaking Water – Problem Solved

There are many causes for the fridge leaking water. Most often, the problem is caused by the seal around the door being broken or cracked and allowing water to leak into the interior of the refrigerator.

If you have a leaking fridge, you need to act fast. You don’t want any water to damage or destroy the contents of your refrigerator.

Check out the following troubleshooting tips and be prepared to fix any potential problem in order to prevent further damages.

Troubleshooting Guide for Fridge Leaking Water

So here are some simple troubleshooting methods for repairing a leaky refrigerator and preventing a leak from occurring again.

1. Check Water Supply Line:

A common cause of a fridge leaking water is when there is a blockage in the supply line that leads to the refrigerator.

If you notice any discoloration or sediment in the supply line, it should be checked immediately.

If the water is dripping from the refrigerator’s exterior wall, then it is most likely caused by the supply line being damaged. It could be either from a water main break, a pipe break, or a faulty valve.

In this case, check if the water is still flowing at your home’s faucet before turning off the water supply.

If it’s not, then it means that there’s an issue with your plumbing system and you should call your local plumber and get the leak fixed as soon as possible.

2. Examine Drain Pan for Damage:

Drain pans are used to collect water that leaks from the outside of the refrigerator. The pan is usually placed on the exterior of the refrigerator and is connected to the supply line.

There are two types of drain pans: internal and external.

Internal drain pans are mounted in the rear of the refrigerator and are used to collect water from the interior of the refrigerator, while external drain pans are used to collect water that leaks from the exterior wall of the refrigerator.

If you notice water leaking from the exterior of the refrigerator, check if there’s any damage to the drain pan that sits at the bottom of the refrigerator.

In this case, you should make sure that the water has been drained out properly before opening the door.

There are many drain pans on the market, but not all are made well. Look for one constructed of durable materials such as stainless steel, copper, or aluminum.

If it is a plastic or rubber pan, it will not be able to withstand the pressure of the water inside the fridge. This will cause the metal pan to be cracked and split.

3. Make Sure the Refrigerator is on the Level Surface:

This is one of the most common causes of leaking water and Fridge leaks can occur if the refrigerator is placed on uneven or tilted surfaces. It could be placed on a low or high surface.

Most fridges are designed to have the refrigerator level with the floor. But, over time, the refrigerator may tilt due to changes in the weight distribution of the refrigerator.

To balance your refrigerator, you should consider using the leveling tools found in the home improvement section of any local hardware store.

If you hear any noises coming from the refrigerator, it’s possible that the compressor is malfunctioning. You should also check if there’s any leakage from the compressor.

You may execute this by disconnecting the appliance after turning off the compressor switch. After that, remove the access panel and check for any signs of leaking.

4. Check Defrost Drain:

The defrost drain is located in the rear of the refrigerator and it is usually connected to the outside air vent on the back of the refrigerator.

The defrost drain’s purpose is to expel warm water into the air.

When the temperature of the surrounding air gets too low, the defrost drain releases warm water to melt snow and ice on the evaporator coils.

It also supports the evaporator in maintaining the refrigerator’s cold air temperature. But, if the defrost drain does not work properly, it will cause water to leak from the fridge’s exterior.

In this case, make sure that the drain pan is full of water and it has been properly drained.

If the defrost drain is clogged, you should first try to clear it manually. Remove any dirt from the drain using a vacuum cleaner or a hand brush.

If it doesn’t work, you should hire a plumber to come and fix the problem. 

5. Check the Door Seal: 

A door seal is an important component of a refrigerator that keeps the cold air inside the refrigerator. It is usually made of rubber and is installed between the refrigerator’s door and the refrigerator’s frame.

Most fridges have a seal around the exterior of the door that prevents water from leaking into the refrigerator.

To inspect the seal, simply open the door and make sure that it does not leak. If you notice that it is cracked or broken, it means that it is leaking water.

You should contact a professional immediately to repair the problem.

6. Inspect Ice Maker:

The ice maker in your refrigerator is designed to produce ice. But, if this appliance fails to make ice properly, it will create some other problems.

It may be unable to make ice properly, causing the water inside the refrigerator to leak out of the refrigerator.

This is something that you should check for whenever you open the door to see if the water has leaked outside of the fridge.

You should also make sure that there are no cracks or leaks on the water supply line coming from the outside of the refrigerator and if there is any sign of damage, call a professional immediately.

7. Evaporator Fan:

The purpose of the evaporator fan is to circulate air within the refrigerator. However, if it fails to function correctly, water will leak out the rear of the refrigerator.

You can check the evaporator fan by removing the access panel from the front of the refrigerator and ensure that there are no signs of damage and that there is no debris blocking the air vent.

If you find that there are any issues, it could mean that there’s a problem with the compressor or the motor that operates the fan.

To repair this issue, you should first disconnect the power and unplug the appliance.

After that, you should remove the cover plate and check if there are any signs of leaking or any broken components. If Yes, you need to hire a professional to fix the issue.

8. Check Water Dispenser:

Inspect if the water dispenser has been turned off. A properly functioning water dispenser will not dispense water if it is turned off. If the water dispenser is broken, check if it is leaking or not.

If your water dispenser is damaged, then it’s time to change it. To replace it, turn off the power supply to the refrigerator.

Then remove the top cover and check the water dispenser assembly. If you notice that the rubber seal around the water dispenser is broken or cracked, then it’s time to replace it. It’s best to use a new seal if possible.

Conclusion: Fridge leaking Water

I hope after going through this article, your fridge leaking water problem is solved now.

If you are experiencing any of the issues described above, then it is a good idea to hire a professional to fix them. This is because, if they are ignored, they may get worse and cause even more damage to your refrigerator.

Also, keep in mind that these problems can also affect other components in your refrigerator. So, if you want to keep your refrigerator working properly, it is important to inspect it regularly.

Inspect the fridge’s compressor, defrost drain, door seal, evaporator fan, and water dispenser. And if you notice any problems, contact a professional immediately.

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Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.